How has your association FINSIA contributed to your development over your career?
Joining the FINSIA network has been a huge impact for my career development. It has unlocked amazing opportunities and connections in the financial services industry and some connections turned into strong friendships.
One of the significant benefits has been the expansion of my professional network. I've been blessed to cross paths with incredible people, including professionals at similar stages in their careers, as well as senior leaders who have provided invaluable guidance and inspiration.
Tell us about your career to date?
After graduating from university in 2014, my goal was to try and find a role. At the time the industry wasn’t something I was focused on.
In 2015 I was fortunate to receive an offer as a teller at the Commonwealth bank, which I accepted in the blink of an eye and have been with CommBank for nine years now.
Corporate banking soon caught my eye, so I then sought an opportunity within the department and was fortunate to secure a role.
I spent most of my career within our corporate and commercial section from 2016 to 2021 developing my technical skills and building connections internally and externally. Towards the end of 2020, I decided I would like to start my journey to leadership and my first step was to manage my own client portfolio.
In 2021, I was fortunate to receive this opportunity within our Premier Banking department where I currently am, and my journey to a leadership role continues.
We've read your title, now tell us how you would describe what you ACTUALLY do to a friend at a BBQ?
I always like to say: “Anything lending, that’s what I do”. To put it into words, I manage a portfolio of clients, primarily professionals and I support them with any lending requirements to assist in building their wealth. This involves working together with other departments to provide a range of solutions from home lending, commercial lending and working capital financing to name a few.
What are your most pressing challenges in 2023?
Reminding myself about the little things in life and to stop and be thankful to God for it all. I work with some amazing colleagues and leaders and the support I receive assists me to grow and achieve the next goal and get ready for the next challenge. I have found the times I decide to stop, look at the things around me and enjoy the moment, even if it’s a five-minute walk with my wife or taking a deep breath of fresh air, it reminds me of the bigger picture and how those little moments make a positive impact to my life at work and outside of work.
What led you to pursue your career path in the first place and can you remember where and when the lightbulb came on?
During my time in corporate banking, I was blessed to work under my manager at the time James Heelan and I remember it was during a conversation where he told me “You are good with numbers, but better with people”, and that was when I decided the path I wanted to take was one that was customer facing and that is where I am today in our Premier Banking Department.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
I have received great advice throughout my career and continue to with all the mentors I have in my life. One that has stayed with me from an article or a video that I came across is “To make an impact all you need to do is care”. This is one of my favourite statements as it can be applied to daily life, whether you are looking to improve a process or design a product or even to put a smile in someone’s face, if you genuinely care you will do it.
In hindsight, what is the one thing you would have done differently in getting to where you are now?
The only thing I would have done differently is probably tell myself it will be ok. After finishing university, as I never secured a graduate role like most of my peers, I had this feeling that I was behind and thought I wasn’t pushing myself hard enough.
However, in hindsight, I can see everything worked out and the little wins and challenges along the way gave me the growth and resilience for which I am very grateful for today.
What do enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work you will find me experiencing new things with my wife, leading my kids’ ministry team on a Sunday at church, learning to cook a new dish and lately trying to improve my golf swing.
Find out more about the benefits of FINSIA membership here
